Drivers trying to avoid Tavistock Road roadworks are contributing to commuter traffic hell in the north of Plymouth.

Residents of Tamerton Foliot, Southway and Derriford have all complained of suffering major delays, near their homes in recent weeks.

And, after an investigation, Plymouth City Council says the issues have been caused by the sheer volume of traffic in the area.

A city council officer also told Southway councillor Jonny Morris that the traffic lights at the George Junction are due to be changed tomorrow (Saturday) as a result.

In an email sent to Cllr Morris, the council officer said: "While this (congestion) would appear not to be directly caused by the current roadworks in Derriford, it may be exacerbated by drivers changing their travel pattens to avoid the works, placing greater pressure on this manoeuvre.

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Tamerton and Southway residents believe the traffic build up is a knock on effect from roadworks and housing developments (Image: Penny Cross)

"Traffic travelling straight ahead from Southway Drive to Morgan Road is far exceeding the capacity of the dedicated ahead lane and therefore blocking the left turn towards Woolwell, and the right turn towards Derriford as well as further back along Southway Drive.

"This is further compounded by traffic wishing to join Southway Drive from the various side roads further compromising progression along Southway Drive back towards the shopping centre.

"As a result of this, working with the council’s urban traffic control team, we are proposing to amend the traffic signal timings at the George Junction in order to give more green time for the ahead manoeuvre from Southway Drive to Morgan Road to be undertaken.

"This is due to be undertaken tomorrow (Saturday), however it will need careful refinement and monitoring into next week as in order to do this, time will need to be taken away from other arms of the junction which could also result in delays."

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Children have been late to school due to the tailbacks (Image: Penny Cross)

The traffic build up on Budshead Road is thought to have been caused by the change to the slip road towards a give way arrangement that was completed in June.

The council officer explained: “It seems to have reduced the capacity of this link and causes blocking back towards Budshead Roundabout and impeding progression through the junction.

“We are currently reviewing the layout to see if there are any improvements that we can make in this area however we are constrained on Tavistock Road.

"Where Budshead Road meets – in order to undertake the works on the central reservation we need to provide a safety lane to separate the construction working from live traffic lanes and the public from construction activities.

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“There are multiple housing developments happening in Tamerton, Southway and Derriford at the moment causing traffic on all routes.”

The council officer added that ‘every opportunity’ is being undertaken to carry out the works in quickest way possible.

“I appreciate the concerns raised by the residents of the Southway and Tamerton Foliot area, and I hope this reassures you that we are investigating and implementing opportunities to improve the situation for them and the wider communities affected by the works wherever possible.”